4 Buona Vita Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vinegars Honest Review

Well hello hello!
Today I'm going to review these flavored Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars by 4 Buona Vita. If you haven't done so already I suggest you take a look at the youtube video where I taste these great products blindfolded, with the help of my lovely assistant (my husband), and I almost die on one of them...!

It's a great way to see my honest reaction, that was the first time I had ever tried any of their stuff, and you can ALSO find out the promo code to receive 10% your 4 Buona Vita purchase! 

Check it out right here:

I am not going to say the same things I said in the video in this blog post.
Here I'd really like to get into some practical uses for these flavored oils.

A few things to say about all of them...

1. First of all they make a great gift for your friend "the foodie" who already has everything in his/her pantry (like me), but I bet you he/she doesn't have these!

2. The quality is way superior to any of the other flavored oils I've tasted so far and even compared to my own homemade recipe for spicy oil, because I can NEVER EVER find spicy enough red peppers in Philly... But that's a different story, back to the point now..

Arbequina Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

This is their "plain" olive oil, but there's nothing plain about it. I had never tried this particular olive before, and it's highly aromatic, with accents of grass, it's a very mild olive oil.

Suggested uses: since it's such a special oil, I suggest consuming raw, on a bruschetta or to top off a soup.

Flaming Jalapeño Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

This is the one that really caught me by surprise in the video! It's so spicy that it would make a great alternative to hot sauce or to the use of spicy peppers in any recipes.

Try it on: bruschetta, soups, pasta sauces, and in place of any "spicy heat" in any recipe

Smoked Jalapeño Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

This one was less spicy compared to the flaming jalapeño, but it still retained some heat.

I would use it on: bbq sauces, to bring the flavors of the grill indoors!

 Wood Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

In this one the smoked flavor is way more intense then the previous, but it lacks the heat of the jalapeño. Suggested uses: same as above: bbq sauces, mix it with some fresh herbs and rub it on a piece of meat or fish to achieve the flavor of an outdoor barbecue inside your home. 

The aged Balsamic Vinegars: black and white 

I was particularly impressed about how delicate and yet complex the flavors of these balsamic is. They are sweet but then the acidity kicks in, giving depth to any dish you will put them on. 

I have a video recipe coming up about the white balsamic vinegar, so subscribe to my Youtube Channel to stay connected and get the latest from yours truly. 

Like any other great balsamic you can try it on: fruit, salads,  pinzimonio,  cheese, cold pasta salads, and what ever else your little heart desires! 

I hope this was helpful, please feel free to share this post with anyone you think would be interested, find me on social networks, youtube or sign the mailing list to this very blog up to. 

Enjoy!!

Valentina

RealItalianKitchen

How to make Frittata with Zucchini and Potatoes

A simple frittata can really get you all set for a great light lunch or dinner! Or breakfast... I guess...!

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it and eating my grandma's Frittata!

 Valentina and Mimmi'
Real Italian Kitchen

Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Ok, you have spent DAYS preparing your homemade tomato sauce, now it's time to season it and put it together with some of your favorite pasta!

This is my favorite variation, there are obviously many ways to spice up your tomato sauce.

Ingredients for 2 people:

half of a small jar of tomato sauce
2 cloves of garlic
hot red peppers to taste
extra virgin olive oil
salt
a teaspoon of sugar
160gr of pasta

Utensils:

a large pot where you can boil some water in and cook the pasta with
a non sticky pan to prepare the sauce.

For the step by step watch the video tutorial, right here!

Enjoy!

Valentina
RealItalianKitchen

Italian Fast Food: Tomato Salad Variation no 1.

What's the fastest and healthiest thing you can put on your plate?

A salad. With all those tomatoes laying around the house I decided to make this fast, simple delicious meal!

Ingredients for 2 people:
5 medium size plum tomatoes
1 mozzarella
a bunch of baby spinach
two spoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt

Cut the veggies in big chunks and put them in a bowl with the mozzarella cut in cubes and some baby spinach that you have ripped with your hands.
Add oil and salt. Eat with bread or crackers.

Enjoy!
Valentina
Real Italian Kitchen

Italian Fast Food - Spaghetti Garlic, Oil and Hot Peppers

Or as they say in Rome: Aio, Oio e Peperoncino!
It might sound strange but you have to try it to believe how good it actually is.

It's the most plain and simple pasta you could possibly make and it's perfect for those days when there's nothing in the fridge...!

Instructions:

-Brown the garlic in a pan with some hot peppers and extra virgin olive oil. Be careful not to burn it.

-In the meantime boil some salted water and cook your favorite brand of Spaghetti, mine is DeCecco, because it doesn't overcook easily.

-When the pasta is ready toss it in the pan with the flavored oil and fry it for a minute or two.

-Serve with parmigiano, or by itself.

Delicious.

Enjoy!
Valentina
Real Italian Kitchen 

How to make Italian Style Grilled Vegetables

Last night I had a dream I was Woody Allen's chef and I was making him Grilled Vegetables for Memorial Day... 

I'm always very happy to go to barbecues and find a side of vegetables. Salads are fine, but you need a fork to eat that. Grilled vegetables can be eaten with you hands and are a great addition to a burger. They also make a great side if you're having steak or fish.

For 2 people: 1 Zucchini, 1 Eggplant, 1 Pepper

What's good on the grill? 
Peppers
Eggplant
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Onions
Tomatoes
Asparagus

For 2 people:
1 Zucchini
1 small Eggplant
1 Pepper
(see picture)





Prepare the vegetables
1. Rinse all the veggies.

2. Peppers: cut them in half, cut out the seeds inside and the white lining of the vegetable. Cut in even strips.
Zucchini: cut in long strips, a little on the thick side especially if they're going on an outdoor grill.
Eggplant: you can eat the skin but I like mine pealed. Cut "circles" out of it (like the picture) or cut through the length of it if it's a thin eggplant.
Tomatoes and Onions: start cutting circles from the "bottom"
Asparagus: leave it whole.

3. Season with oil and salt BEFORE they go on the grill.

Grill it!
Put it on the grill and once the griddle has made convincing marks on one side, turn them. On a medium hot grill about 5 minutes per side. Don't burn them.

Enjoy!
Valentina
Real Italian Kitchen

Easy, fast, cheap Italian Appetizer Recipe

Finally a new video! It's so old I was still wearing winter clothes! ahhahahaha!
Well, this recipe is perfect for the warmer weather, no stove needed.

Bresaola, Rucola, Parmigiano... oh my! Try this exact thing on top of a pizza, it will change your world.

Hope you enjoy it!
Valentina
RealItalianKitchen